Archive for December, 2008

Having just celebrated the holidays and watching my two girls dig into all their gifts has me thinking about kids art. I know…that is a strange connection…but, the reason is because I really think that a piece of artwork is one of the best presents you can give. It is not only a reflection of your own creativity but it also takes true thought and time to choose the right piece. If it is for your own child or even a relative, you have to put some effort into deciding what would interest them, what their style is (as well as parents) and where you are planning for them to hang it – nursery, bedroom or playroom. All of these factors will play a part in what type of artwork you choose. So, kid’s art is a very personal gift that takes a little bit of courage to give, and if you are up for the challenge I am going to dive into the most amazing children’s art around: Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids.

Oh, I cant even begin to properly translate into writing how much I absolutely LOVE them…they have over 50 artists that work and design for them in all sorts of themes, styles, colors to fit anyone’s taste and then some! Beyond their incredible diversity, is their ridiculous attention to detail and a sort of perfectionism that ensures every piece of kids art that they sell is truly top quality. And as if that wasn’t enough, a percentage of all their sales go to Children’s charities. Seriously…talk about guilt free shopping…you get amazing kids art, that is totally worth every penny and some of that money even goes to charity…how awesome is that?! The thing I love about Oopsy Daisy is that although they have become a large and well-known name in art, they still put pride into their work and produce products as if they were a small mom and pop shop.

Oopsy Daisy primarily offers stretched canvas reproductions and mural banners but has expanded recently and now offers other decorative items such as nightlights, lamps and shades, kids rugs, and more. Their stretched canvases are reproductions of original art that are completely finished and then wrapped around a wood frame…no glass to break, easy to clean, very kid friendly. Think of the mural banners as the same canvas, just not wrapped around a frame but with grommet holes in all four corners to hang flush against the wall. I also love how they have groups of artwork that are essentially one image but in several canvases – this is an awesome way to really have visual interest on top of great kid’s art. You really need to just take some time and look through everything that Oopsy Daisy has…that is the only way you will appreciate all that I am saying. Actually, to fully appreciate Oopsy Daisy, you really have to purchase some of their art, and THEN you will be as big a fan as I am. Now here are some pieces from the most popular artists from the Oopsy Daisy collection. I tried to show you a variety of what they do, from canvases to growth charts and some of their newer décor items as well. Enjoy, and buy some kids art!!!
Aaron Christensen Trophy Canvas
Jill McDonald On The Farm Mural Banner
Donna Ingemanson Our World Rug
Meghann O’Hara Monkeying Around Growth Chart
Gale Kaseguma Jellybeen Tree Canvas
Max Grover Train Engine Nightlight
Jenny Kostecki-Shaw A-Z World Canvas
Megan & Mendy Winborg All A Twitter Canvas Set of 6
Oopsy Daisy Lamp with Flower Garden Shade

When you are looking to create your girl’s bedroom in a sophisticated yet youthful way, there is a certain look that must catch your eye. Of course we want furniture that will last for years and grow with our kids, but we also want to keep the room looking fun and playful while satisfying our desire for sophistication and style. Because the web gives us access to so many kid’s furniture lines these days, this is actually an easy thing to do. I want to focus on one company in particular that I personally think is great in so many ways. Young America by Stanley is a children’s line of furniture that actually has over 15 different lines within it which cover design styles from classic modern to European sophistication. They actually created their furniture on the basis that well-made children’s furniture should not only last for years, but should also be functional at every stage of your child’s life – from the crib to college and beyond. I think that any company who manufactures furniture with this intention has really tapped into what we, as parents, are looking for when we purchase children’s furniture. Plus, the Stanley name is synonymous with style and quality…absolute musts for kids furniture.

One of the popular Young America collections is Isabella, which is a gorgeous line of girls furniture. Essentially white, it has a subtle cream undertone with light distressing and light decorative stripes which give it a little more sophistication and vintage appeal. There is an obvious European influence in the overall silhouette of this line and the details like delicate carved ribbons and rosettes make it ultra feminine for girls of all ages. Of course the Isabella collection includes every piece of kids furniture that you may (or may not) need: from cribs to sleigh beds and bunk beds; multiple sizes in dressers and nightstands; desks, vanities, and even a cheval mirror and doll chest. The options to add on pieces as your child grows make it even more appealing for parents. It is not girly, but feminine, not boring, but delicate and sophisticated…all the things that make Isabella a line for every girl. Here are a few of the furniture pieces from this amazing line, but don’t stop here…be sure to look at all that Young America by Stanley has to offer – I have no doubt that you’ll find a collection you and your child will love.
Isabella Single Dresser
Isabella Poster Bed
Isabella Bureau
Isabella Bookcase

The Pacific Diaper Bag by Skooch was featured in Houston Magazine! This collection definitely combines fashion, fun and function into an “incognito” diaper bag!

These Wooden Hanging Letters were featured in Southern Lady Magazine’s November 2008 issue. These beautiful wooden hanging letters add that personal touch to your baby’s nursery by displaying your baby’s name in an array of colors, fonts and designs!

The Pixie Pagoda Watermelon Crib Bedding from Rosenberry Rooms is featured in the Bedrooms & Baths issue of Romantic Homes Magazine for Fall 2008.